Mardi Gras Comes to Edinburgh

The Grassmarket, once a medieval market place bustling with horses and cattle, and on a more grisly note the site for public executions - the shadow of the gibbet can still be seen as a timely reminder of the checkered past of this historic area of Edinburgh. Today it is one of the city's most vibrant meeting places, lively drinking spots and eclectic shops vying for attention. Awash with medieval architecture, and laying claim to some of the most stunning views of the Castle, it is here that Edinburgh holds its Mardi Gras as part of the Jazz and Blues Festival.
Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, the largest in the United Kingdom, is packed with world class artists such as Mud Morganfield, Tia Fuller and of course the inimitable Jules Holland. Ten days of truly world class entertainment and public performances take place across the city in some of its most stunning venues. These include informal jam sessions at the Jazz Bar, spontaneous musical moments by Festival performers as they take the opportunity to let their hair down. With almost 150 concerts taking places, there is certainly something for all ages, moods and tastes.
The Mardi Gras, held in the heart of historic Edinburgh, turns the Grassmarket into New Orleans for the afternoon - and what a beautiful afternoon it was this year. There is definitely something about Jazz and Blues that puts the sultry into a hot summer's day, that has you drifting down a river trailing your feet in the water, or sitting gin and tonic in hand losing yourself in the heady beat and soulful sounds. And Mardi Gras had everything. A wonderful mix of local and visiting bands filled the stage with the very best strains of Jazz and Blues, drawing the audience in, at times creating the atmosphere of smoke filled bars and dimly lit rooms. But brilliant sunshine was the order of the day as people sat where they could or simply stood and listened, drink in hand, soaking up the music. Foot tapping, hip swaying, heel stomping, it was all there.
Three hours of non-stop entertainment put on by a mix of local and visiting musicians created a party atmosphere under blue skies. Mardi stalwarts, the Criterion Parade Band, were there with their brollie dollies. The California Honeydrops were brilliant, SZK Sizhukong from Taiwan absolutely amazing, bringing their own form of Jazz to the Festival. Horndog Brass Band, The Rae Brothers, Shreveport Rhythm, Lights Out By Nine, Al Hughes, there were all there, providing first class music to suit everyone. And nobody was too young to join in the fun - eyes right! Fun, sun, and when it was done, time to relect on a wonderful afternoon, with so much more to come throughout the week. All of these performers can be seen again and are definitely worth doing so.